The Second Berlinniversary.

Berlin leaves many traps for unwary newcomers, many of whom leave brokenhearted.

Those, who caught up in the city’s myriad distractions, ‘forget’ to work and go home broke, those who would love to work but cannot get the visa, those who underestimate its winter or the transience of its flighty inhabitants.

So last weekend, two years after I arrived, one of my best and earliest Berlin friends and I triumphantly celebrated our second Berlinniversaries.

The hi-jinks which ensued shall not be discussed here, but the elation and gratitude remains.

After being here for two years, ich fühle mich wohl.

At ease, happy, comfortable – whichever way you want to translate it – it feels good to be here.

Berlin Rooftops, feat. the Fernsehturm/TV Tower

To be able to go to brunch on a sunny Sunday afternoon and happen to bump into close friends at the next table.

To finally be able to speak in German in most situations without feeling like a complete dunce.

On that note, last week I had a bit of banter with the matronly city office clerk transferring my visa to my new passport, who joked I should change my last name to Müller to make it easier for Germans to pronounce.

I do think she was joking.

And finally, to explore more of Europe and be able return to my room and flatmates, feeling both excited to be back and immediately relaxed.

Sure, there are still the ongoing hassles like renewing visas and German noun genders (why?!?) to deal with, but given the privilege of even having a New Zealand passport to begin with, I cannot in all seriousness complain.

On that note, and with summer having made its long-awaited return outside, I’ll leave some 2015 Berlin snapshots to speak for themselves.

Grilling on Tempelhof Airfield.

Germans have no less than six words for the humble bread roll, depending on what region you’re shopping in…

Karnival de Kulturen.

Discovering yet another reappropriated segment of the Berlin Wall.

Stumbling across a crew filming a MC Fitti music video next to Alexanderplatz. Surreal.

Berlin Festival, Arena Park.

Looking towards former GDR/DDR territory from Teufelsberg, the former Allied listening post built on a hill made of WWII rubble.

And back towards the Havel River across the Grunewald.

A summer storm rolls in.

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Berlin-based Kiwi writer in innovation communication. Inspired by social enterprise, science and tech for good, responsible travel and climate action. Sharing the inspiration through journalism and brand storytelling.